People Signals

Community happens when people gather.

Community isn’t hidden in mountains of data or the latest tech trend.

It’s real, raw, human interaction.

Before we had all these gadgets and gizmos, our best bet was to mingle with our crowd, listen to them, and understand their vibe.

This approach, “people signals,” isn’t about ditching technology. I want you to use it smarter.

Instead of letting an algorithm dictate what your audience wants, why not listen to what they’re actually saying? Direct feedback is gold when it comes to shaping your content and community.

Ignore People at Your Own Peril

Relying solely on algorithms and data analytics to understand our audience can lead to a disconnect. Or worse even, to solutions that lack empathy and relevance.

This disconnection impedes your ability to foster a genuine community around your core mission.

Without grounding ourselves in the real experiences and voices of those we serve, we risk missing the nuanced insights that data alone cannot capture.

Finding People Signals

Get Involved

Hit the streets. Or the cafes. Or the local meet-ups.

The idea is to be where your people are. Not just physically, though that’s important, but mentally and emotionally too.

Example: If you’re building a fitness app, don’t just sit behind your screen. Attend local marathons, visit gyms, and talk to trainers. You’ll pick up on what users really want (like a feature to track hydration) that you might miss from behind a desk.

Smart Tech Use

Use technology to amplify your insights, not replace them. Social media can be a treasure trove of unfiltered opinions if you know where to look.

Example: Do you notice that many of your community members are talking about eco-friendly living? Maybe it’s time to consider how your product can better serve that interest.

Adapt and Grow

The only constant is change. Keeping in tune with your community means evolving as their needs do.

Example: Did a new trend take off in your community? See how you can incorporate that into your service. Maybe it’s a feature update or a new product line!

Keeping It Real

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. Combining the rich insights from real-life interactions with the analytical power of technology gives you a 360-view of your audience.

Think of technology as your assistant, not your replacement. By staying engaged and adaptable, you’re not just growing your project; you’re growing with your community.

Remember, the strongest communities are built on genuine connections. Keep your ears to the ground, stay open to change, and let the people fuel your passion and your project.

Let's gooooo!

~ Patrick